Approximately 20% of FM team members communicate in a language other than English. This language barrier can hinder access to important work-related information, limit career growth, and reduce confidence and engagement at work. To help address this challenge, FM is offering training opportunities to help staff sharpen their English language and communication skills.
Through a partnership with EnGen virtual English language learning platform, all FM staff can now receive free online English language training. The EnGen platform allows users to participate in self-paced, interest-based lessons at any time and provides training courses for all skill levels of English proficiency, from beginner to advanced.
Spring Relaunch Offers New and Improved Focus
The program first launched last January and about 90 FM staff are currently enrolled and have access to the platform. However, many of the staff who have access are not engaging with the program content. To address low engagement levels, the program is relaunching this spring with a new focus aimed at deeper engagement, personalized support, and structured learning. Here’s what’s different:
- Targeted outreach to enroll/re-enroll current and new employees who are speakers of other languages (mostly from B&LM).
- A more structured learning approach to help staff stay engaged and on track, including monthly benchmarks, in-person check-ins, and encouragement/guidance to use EnGen's personalized coaching services.
- Recognition and incentives like certificates for completing monthly benchmarks and an FM Shines recognition lunch for program completion,
- Increased access to learning resources including training devices (tablets) available for check-out.
Celebrating Success
While some staff have not engaged to the level hoped for, others have thrived in the program. At FM’s recent Staff Appreciation Luncheon, five Building & Landscape Maintenance staff received merit awards for their success in the program. Ana Guzman, Luis Hernandez, Hanna Tsedal, Paola Marca, and Vilma Perdomo were recipients of the Fresh Skills Award, which recognizes staff who have consistently strived to make FM better by improving a process or service.
FM housekeeper Hanna Tsedal joined the program to enhance her communication skills and embrace new opportunities. “I found the program comprehensive, engaging, and useful for personal and professional growth,” said Hanna.
Program leaders hope more FM team members will achieve the same level of success that these award winners have accomplished. A spring kickoff event was held earlier this month that included a discussion of program expectations and sharing of available resources. Interested staff who missed the kickoff should contact Danien Stanback at dstanbac@umd.edu for information about how they can get started.
Housekeeper Paola Marca offers this advice to staff who might be considering the program:
"Don't be afraid. Sometimes it is hard to practice every day, but you can do it. Be persistent!"